Ledger Start™ — Straightforward, Secure Wallet Setup

One safe path to owning your crypto

Ledger Start™ is the official onboarding experience from Ledger®. It provides a clear checklist and verified instructions that guide you through every stage of wallet setup — from unboxing and device verification to creating a PIN and backing up your recovery phrase. The goal is simple: make secure self-custody easy and reliable for everyone.

What you’ll do with Ledger Start™

Ledger Start™ focuses on the essential actions that protect your funds. The process helps you:

• Confirm your Ledger® device is authentic and untampered.
• Install Ledger Live® and the official companion apps you need.
• Create and securely record your 24-word recovery phrase.
• Set a resilient PIN and optional passphrase for added protection.
• Connect the device to Ledger Live® for managing assets without exposing keys.

Each step includes short explanations so you understand why it matters — not just what to click next.

Step-by-step: How to set up your Ledger device

1. Unbox and inspect: Check the package integrity and Ledger® authenticity markers before powering on.
2. Open Ledger Start™: Use the official Ledger Start™ URL or the Ledger Live® installer link included with your device documentation.
3. Install Ledger Live®: Download the official Ledger Live® app for desktop or mobile and follow installation prompts.
4. Create a PIN: Choose a strong PIN and never share it. PIN entry occurs directly on the device so it cannot be intercepted.
5. Write your recovery phrase: Carefully copy the 24-word phrase displayed by your device onto paper (or a secure backup medium). Store it offline in a safe place.
6. Verify and install apps: Confirm device authenticity via Ledger Start™, then install the blockchain apps you plan to use through Ledger Live®.
7. Test a small transfer: Send a small test amount to confirm you control the address before moving larger sums.

Why Ledger® security matters

Ledger® devices include a certified Secure Element that isolates private keys in hardware. Private keys never leave the device; transactions are signed offline and only then broadcast by Ledger Live®. This design minimizes the attack surface compared to software wallets or custodial platforms.

Ledger Start™ leverages that hardware foundation and adds verified checks so you know you’re interacting with Ledger®’s official ecosystem rather than a phishing or counterfeit site.

Practical safety tips

• Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger® support will never ask for it.
• Always download Ledger Live® from the official Ledger® domain and validate signatures when available.
• Keep firmware updates current; Ledger Start™ will guide you on official updates only.
• Store recovery information offline (fireproof safe, secure storage) and consider geographic redundancy for critical backups.
• Use an optional passphrase for higher-value wallets or advanced setups.

Built for beginners, trusted by experts

Ledger Start™ is intentionally approachable: short text, clear visuals, and step confirmations reduce setup mistakes. At the same time, the platform supports advanced needs — multisig workflows, passphrase configurations, developer integrations, and compatibility with popular Web3 wallets. Whether you’re acquiring your first Bitcoin® or managing multiple ledgers, Ledger Start™ scales with your experience.

Keep your setup future-ready

Ledger® continually updates firmware and Ledger Live® to support new chains, tokens, and features. Ledger Start™ helps you maintain a secure posture by prompting legitimate updates and linking you to verified education resources. Subscribe to official Ledger® channels for alerts and security advisories — Ledger Start™ points you to the verified sources.